Cane River Green Market Season Kicks Off April 25

The Cane River Green Market will open its 2015 season on Saturday, April 25th. Natchitoches’ local farmer’s market will take place every Saturday until July 25th from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon on the downtown riverbank in the Natchitoches Historic District.

As always, customers will be able to choose from a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetable from Green Market produce vendors. Customers will also be able to enjoy a selection of value-added products including farm fresh eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, honey, fresh cut flowers and more. Craft vendors of hand-crafted items such as jewelry, woodwork, and stained glass will also be on site.

The Cane River Green Market will also feature a variety of children’s activities including a brand new Cane River Green Market Kids Club. Children ages 12 and under will be able to sign up for the Kids Club and will receive a market passport and $10 in tokens to spend with Green Market vendors while supplies last. The Cane River Green Market will also feature live musical entertainment, demonstrations and free fitness classes.

The Cane River Green Market accepts WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and credit/debit cards. WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers issued over the summer can be redeemed at participating vendors.

SNAP benefits may be used to purchase eligible food items such as bread products, produce, eggs, dairy products, seeds, and edible or food producing plants. Through a MarketMatch program, the market will match up to $20 in SNAP purchases per market while supplies last. The MarketMatch program meets SNAP shoppers who want to eat healthy and support local farmers half way. The MarketMatch campaign is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, The Rapides Foundation, Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, and MarketUmbrella.org.

Customers wishing to use SNAP benefits, credit and/or debit cards can swipe their cards at the Cane River Green Market hospitality tent during market hours. Shoppers will be issued tokens for the amount of their purchase to use at any Cane River Green Market vendor booth.